One scenario would send Howard to Los Angeles, Andrew Bynum to Cleveland and a package of picks and prospects to Orlando, according to sources.

The Lakers would land Howard, who they have been aggressively pursuing for quite some time.

The Cavaliers would acquire a second star to put alongside Kyrie Irving, one that they should be able to keep long-term since Cleveland has been mentioned as a team that Bynum will consider signing an extension with.

Bynum has made it known that Cleveland is one of his preferred destinations in free agency next year, so we may be looking at this same situation a year from now anyway. Plus, as Dwight Howard has taught us, don't rule out any possibility.

Even if the original rumor didn't prove to be true, it could still happen.

During the 51 games he appeared in as a rookie, the former Duke Blue Devil averaged 18.5 points, 5.4 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. Plus, he had a sensational PER of 21.49, played solid defense and performed exceptionally well when the game was on the line.

Irving is already read to lead a team to a title if he's surrounded with enough capable players.

Lot of Frontcourt Pieces

There's no telling exactly who the Cleveland Cavaliers would have to give up in a potential deal for Bynum, but they would still likely be left with a strong frontcourt.

Right now, a three-headed monster is holding down the fort at the power forward and center spots.

Anderson Varejao is the established player, one of the most underrated big men—or players for that matter—in the entire NBA. With his energy and rebounding skills, he's an invaluable asset to the team's success.

Tristan Thompson just finished a somewhat disappointing, somewhat promising rookie season that established him as one of the league's best offensive rebounders. The former lottery pick has a ton of potential, but still needs to work on playing outside of the painted area.

Then there's Tyler Zeller, a first-rounder from the 2012 NBA draft who is just about as NBA-ready as they come. The former North Carolina Tar Heel can contribute in all facets of the game.

The Cavs would probably have to give up one of these pieces, but the hit would be absorbed by the addition of Bynum.

Plenty of Developing Players

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We've already covered Zeller, Irving and Thompson, but the Cleveland Cavaliers still have a number of other developing young players.

Dion Waiters, the reigning top pick by the organization, should be an immediate contributor at shooting guard, whether he's starting or coming off the bench as the team's sixth man. The former Syracuse guard is deadly in penetration and has a nice scoring touch.

He will require some adjustment, but should have a solid rookie season.

Then there's Alonzo Gee, a promising swingman with enough hops to make Superman jealous.

That leaves five intriguing young players. If all of them pan out, this team will be unstoppable.

Chances are they won't, but the odds dictate that at least a couple will.

The Verdict

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Judging by the positive tone of this article, you've probably guessed by now that I do indeed think the Cleveland Cavaliers can compete in the Eastern Conference with Andrew Bynum on the roster, provided that they don't give up too much for him.

Bynum is a stud in the paint and adds to a great cast of frontcourt players. Plus, the Cavs have one of the league's better floor generals in Irving and a number of young players who are only going to improve.

To top it all off, there's a coach roaming the sidelines who knows what he's doing and can maximize talent.